Following the Footsteps of a Role Model
“The consummate public servant, she died with her boots on, ever the champion of regional development through science and technology. We will truly miss her passion, her friendship, ready smile and helping hand,” Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Pena said on his Facebook account on 4 February 2021, Thursday, at 10:43 A.M. after the passing of USec. Nazareth-Manzano from her long battle with cancer.
Having “USec. Bren” and her generosity and compassion in mind, the DOST-NCR staff carried out the activity with passion and determination. A model leader and a recognized public manager that she was, the Undersecretary received numerous awards such as the 2012 Gawad Career Executive Service Presidential Award, the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award conferred by the AIT Alumni Association’s Mother and Philippine Chapters, the Regional Outstanding Lady Executive, and the Golden Heart Medallion Award for Excellence in Science Promotion, Research and Development, and Technology Transfer, among others.
USec. Bren’s legacy, her devotion for the advancement of science, technology and innovation for an inclusive regional development, remains in the hearts of the DOST family as a whole. Her life is a pursuit of progress and inspiration – a gift which she left as she served as a mentor and a dear friend of her colleagues in her time in the DOST.
By Nikki Arcinue
